Public Works articles from June 2000

Public Works archives from June 2000

Power Box Rake(R).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The new Harley Power Box Rake for front deck mowers is described as ideal for turf renovation and over-seeding; de-thatch existing turf or completely remove old or worn turf for reseeding. Operates driving forward, windrow and grade to the...

EDITORIAL VIEWPOINT.(Editorial)
June 1, 2000... An underlying question. Is groundwater--one of our nation's most important natural resources--being replenished properly? The USGS addressed this issue in a recent report, "Sustainability of Ground-Water Resources, USGS Circular 1186." ...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
June 1, 2000... Regarding an item in the April 2000 "Washington Report": Arsenic inorganic matter in water is just the same as iron or calcium. My aunt who lived all her life in Connecticut, died at an early age because she could not assimilate the iron in...

Congressmen and water groups have begun a major push to secure more federal funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Congressmen and water groups have begun a major push to secure more federal funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Members of the House of Representatives have formed a Water Infrastructure Caucus to coordinate...

The National League of Cities (NLG) reports that municipalities are using the Internet to provide an increasing array of information and services to their citizens.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... NLC conducted a poll which found widespread usage of city Web sites for general information, requests, and comments. Interactive services also are growing, including capabilities for financial transactions with the city. It said 89 percent...

While Congress is considering the Clinton administration's request that it legislate to reduce or eliminate the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in gasoline, water groups said the administration could do even more.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Gasoline refiners have used the additive to meet the 1992 Clean Air Act's oxygenate requirements for reformulated gasoline sold in metropolitan areas. But gasoline leaks have caused MTBE, a possible carcinogen, to contaminate groundwater in...

Meanwhile, EPA has proposed tougher rules to improve drinking water quality for water systems that rely on wells.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... It said about 157,000 public water systems that serve about 109 million Americans, draw all or part of their drinking water from underground sources. The agency currently requires use of disinfectants to prevent waterborne disease only by...

Municipal workers would benefit from a House-passed bill to increase home ownership among low and middle-income families.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The American Home Ownership and Economic Opportunity Act would allow cities to use federal grants from two different programs to help municipal employees buy a home, if they make less than 115 percent of a region's median income. They also...

INCREASING THE YIELD FROM EXISTING WATER SUPPLY WELL SITES.
June 1, 2000... The increasing cost and time required to develop new water supply wells, coupled with an increasing summertime peak water demand, have left many water suppliers looking for ways to increase the yield of existing sources. This approach is...

EXTENDING THE USEFUL LIFE AND CAPACITY OF EXISTING BRIDGES: The Bridge Infrastructure CHALLENGE.
June 1, 2000... The American Society of Civil Engineers in its 1998 Report Card for America's Infrastructure gives the nation's bridges a C- grade. A total of 182,726 of the nation's 581,862 bridges (one-third!) are rated structurally deficient or functionally...

COME-BACK FOR Histroic Covered Bridge.
June 1, 2000... During the development of Northwest Ohio, many streams were spanned with wood bridges, because of the abundance of that resource. The Ohio Historical Society published a brochure in 1961 depicting the 227 covered bridges remaining in the entire...

COMPUTER MODELING FOR Future Growth.
June 1, 2000... Sophisticated computer modeling techniques can be used to develop planning tools that enable a rapidly growing city to prepare for continuing expansion of water resources well into the future. The city of Rio Rancho, located northwest of...

METHODOLOGY IS THE KEY TO Successful Maintenance Systems.
June 1, 2000... Automation and software are not magic cure-alls for a successful application of a maintenance management system (MMS). Implemented properly, an MMS can accomplish the goals and objectives of controlling, planning, directing, and organizing an...

RETAINING WALLS SUPPORT BIKE PATH in Scenic Area.
June 1, 2000... Located in a highly scenic natural area along the Oregon side, of the Columbia River, the Tanner/Moffet Creeks project was constructed in 1998. The area where the Columbia River carves through the Cascade Mountains, known as the Columbia Gorge,...

NEW MUSEUM AND SCIENCE CENTER IS Wichita Landmark.
June 1, 2000... Exploration Place became the nation's newest science and children's museum when it opened recently along the Arkansas River in Wichita, Kansas. The $62-million project's spectacular design is enhanced through the use of laminated timber roof...

PROTECTING PUBLIC PROPERTY One Park, Plaza, and Block at a Time.
June 1, 2000... In the center of Star Plaza in downtown Cleveland stands a huge, white twisted metal sculpture resembling a DNA strand. At night, decorative mirrors on the sculpture reflect streetlights and the brightly-lit fronts of nearby restaurants and...

EMERGENCY REMEDIATION PROGRAM CORRECTS FLAWS IN Tampa's Hillsborough River Dam.
June 1, 2000... When the weather phenomenon knows as EI Ni[tilde{n}]o hit the Tampa Bay region with uncommonly heavy rainfall in the fall and winter of 1997, the surface runoff and increased flow rates heightened concerns regarding two problems that had...

L.A. WATER PRESSURE Pipes Successfully Relined.
June 1, 2000... During routine testing, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) Trunk Line Testing Program identified leaks in two trunk lines. The identification of weak points in LADWP's large-diameter pipelines is designed to reduce...

RUBBER DAMS ENHANCE Potable Water Supplies.
June 1, 2000... As population has grown and weather patterns have changed, some utility districts have found their supplies of potable water are no longer adequate. Some of these districts have used rubber dams as a cost-effective way to increase the capacity...

PW UPDATE: EQUIPMENT.
June 1, 2000... Compact wheel loaders form a small but rapidly growing market in North America. Most manufacturers say they certainly can't replace skid-steer loaders for many applications, but that for a number of uses, the compact wheel loader (CWL) is a...

Tank Repair Services.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This firm offers tank erection, modification, and repair services for aboveground steel water storage tanks. The company provides steel reservoirs and standpipes in various silhouettes featuring cone roofs, cone roofs with knuckle radius...

Water Tank Covers.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This firm supplies fiberglass reinforced plastic covering systems for tanks and reservoirs of virtually any size and shape. They are designed to provide maximum strength at minimum weight, create aesthetically pleasing installations, minimize...

Specifiers Guide to Tanks.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This firm offers a free water and wastewater specifier's guide for storage tanks. Specification and AutoCAD drawings available on diskette. The company supplies factory-coated bolted steel water storage tanks that are AWWA, API, FM, and NSF...

Water Tank Coating.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... 91-[H.sub.2]O Hydro-Zinc is said to be the first organic, urethane, zinc-rich primer to be ANSI-NSF Standard 61 certified for potable water. It was developed specifically for use on water tanks and can be shop-applied to both sides of a steel...

Stainless Steel Tanks.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This firm's stainless steel tanks are designed, engineered, manufactured, and erected to meet or exceed industry codes and standards such as ANSI/AWWA standard D103, API standard 650, and AISC. Components are factory fabricated and bolted...

Baffle Wall Tanks.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Shown is a 1.O-MG water storage tank with baffle walls that this designer/constructor of prestressed concrete storage tanks completed in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The tank uses radial and concentric cast-in-place concrete baffle walls, which...

Storage Tank Experts.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... For over 20 years, this firm has been providing professional engineering services to storage tank owners. Its staff of engineers, field technicians, and specially trained support personnel offer a complete line of engineering services for...

Two Graffiti Removers.
June 1, 2000... TAGAWAY(r) biodegradable graffiti remover liquefies permanent marker ink and spray paint graffiti "tags" found on highway signs, light poles, and construction vehicles. Spray it on, wipe it off. TAGINATOR(r) for masonry aggressively penetrates...

Evaluate Bridge Decks.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... BridgeScan is an advanced ground-penetrating radar (GPR) product. On older, existing decks, BridgeScan produces accurate contour maps, outlining concrete deterioration caused by chloride-induced corrosion. The differences between good quality...

Pipe Bursting Tools.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Twenty-one models of Grundocrack pneumatic pipe bursting tools are available to renovate water and sewer systems from 4- through 54-in. diameter. Models include 15 rear expander high production tools and six straight-barrel auto-reverse special...

Lift Station Pump Controller.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The CPC-2 duplex pump controller is designed specifically to work with this firm's [Aquatape.sup.TM] water level and temperature resistance-tape sensor, to control lift station pumps or any pump down application. The CPC-2 features pump...

Test Sieves.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This firm supplies a full line of sieve sizes and wire cloth. U.S. Standard Testing Sieves in 8- to 12-in. diameters. Brass or stainless steel seamless frames, pans, extended rim pans, and sieve covers. For 8-in. diameter sizes, full height...

Water Disinfection Equipment.
June 1, 2000... This firm has developed a simple technology that it says can more effectively and more safely disinfect water. The basis for these products is a membraneless electrolytic cell that produces a mixture of oxidants in solution from salt water....

Image Storage System.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The DC-10 [QwikStore.sup.TM] portable image storage system attaches to rigid or flexible borescopes, allowing inspectors to view, freeze, store, export, and e-mail images. Flash card memory and adapter allow images to be transferred to laptops....

Dewatering/Trash Pump.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This double diaphragm pump is said to be perfect for municipalities and contractors that desire a pump with high performance, extended running times, and low noise levels. Diesel engine comes equipped with deep oil sumps and pressurized oil...

Lift Station Encapsulant.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... [Rhoma-Lene.sup.TM] lift station encapsulant solves a variety of lift station problems. It serves a dual purpose: it breaks down the "glue molecule" that allows grease and waste to adhere to your lift station components and it encapsulates the...

Line Striper.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The 220 Intermediate line striper performs multiple tasks with a single operator. The 220 striper can spray two colors from three guns. The solid-state electronic skip-line timer and spray guns are adjusted from an easy-to-use control center...

Inground Lift Package.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The Inground Lift Replacement Program package is said to provide all the information needed to make informed decisions regarding aging lifts and evaluating new lift models. The package is available at no charge and includes a folder of printed...

Non-Combustible Coatings.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This company reports that virtually non-toxic and non-combustible coatings have been developed for use with its hazardous materials storage buildings as well as to replace the surfaces of any existing hazardous material storage building,...

Water Level Instrument.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The Model 6541-11/C precision water level instrument is now a complete package, with a l28K data logger with additional channels available to record and two analog signals. Model 6541-11/C can measure and record water levels with a resolution...

Submersible Pumps.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... IP-700-1200 Series submersible pumps use high-grade AISI 316 stainless steel for the motor housing/volute. In addition, the rotor-shaft and fasteners are stainless steel, and all O-rings are fluoroelastomer, which makes all models corrosion...

Potted Strobes.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Meteorite SY22012 and SY22037 potted strobes are specifically designed for heavy vibration. Their electronics are epoxy coated to protect against moisture. The SY22012 is a 10-Joule strobe with 85 quad flashes per minute and the SY22037 is 15...

Large Diameter Check Valve.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Tideflex(r) Series 39F inline check valves are available up 84 in. The 39F is said to be perfect for lift stations and flood control installations where debris such as tree branches and plastic bags are a problem. Curved-bill design provides a...

Map Conversion Software.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Designed for surveyors, GIS professionals, and utilities, IcoMap V2.2 is billed as a complete solution for accurately converting paper maps, deeds, and legal descriptions into digital files. IcoMap contains every tool needed to take a parcel...

Linear Fluorescent Luminaires.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... [LPL.sup.TM] 2000 and HO Series vandal-resistant, abuse-resistant, and high-output linear fluorescent luminaires are designed to provide high-performance, energy-efficient lighting for tunnels, underpasses, parking garages, pedestrian walkways,...

Aluminum Loading Ramps.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Use this company's lightweight and durable aluminum loading ramps to load your trailers and other hauling equipment with rollers, paving equipment, rubber tired loaders, self-propelled machines, and other equipment. Various ramps are available...

Improves Concrete Performance.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... [Micron.sup.3] is a new highly reactive pozzolan that improves concrete permeability and strengths. Applications include bridge decks, parking garages, superstructures and substructures, and marine structures. Independent lab and field tests...

Constant Tension Grundowinch.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The RW 20 Grundowinch provides up to 20-ton pulling capacity for pipe bursting, sliplining, and cable pulling applications. The constant tension, variable speed unit makes adjustments for conditions that affect line speed during operation,...

Infrastructure Management Software Identifies Needed Repairs.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The GBA Master Series is a Windows(R)-based suite of infrastructure management software that allows users to easily maintain, update, and analyze comprehensive data on sewer systems, streets and pavement, water distribution systems, and...

Compact Excavators.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This firm has introduced six new compact hydraulic excavators (EC15, EC20, EC25, EC30, EC35, EC45) ranging in operating weight from 3,164 to 9,036 lb, horsepower from 15.5 to 37, and digging depth from 7 ft 7 in. to 12 ft 6 in. The bucket of...

Captures Stormwater Contaminants.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Ultra-DrainGuards help users comply with new stormwater regulations. Made of highly absorbent, oil-specific polypropylene, they are designed to capture oil, sediment, and other contaminants before they enter storm drains. These catch basin...

New Dozers.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... This firm has introduced six new dozers. The D32E/P-1, D38E/P-1, and D39E/P-1 "Plus" Series dozers boast powerful and easy-to-use controls, larger blades, reliable engines, and a comfortable operating environment for a wide variety of...

City commissions municipal parking study.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... Jackson, Michigan has chosen Rich and Associates (Southfield Michigan) to evaluate the city's current parking program and make recommendations for changes that will help it meet its anticipated parking needs. As part of the study, the...

County to receive new master plan.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... St. Louis, Missouri-based Homer & Shifrin, Inc., Engineers/Architects/Planners, is providing professional planning services to help create a new master plan for Franklin County, Missouri. The planning process will support ongoing activities of...

Concrete way to save wildlife.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... The following item by Gina Busscher is taken from the March issue of Transportation News, a newsletter of the Florida Department of Transportation, Tallahassee, Florida. It's a first for Florida. Work began in February in District Two on a...

The UPC of Georgia announces success of "Dig Safely" campaign.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2000... For over 25 years the nonprofit Utilities Protection Center of Georgia (UPC) has operated the state's one-call center and promoted safety measures that contractors, professional excavators, and homeowners are encouraged--and required by law--to...

County awards GIS contract.
June 1, 2000... Cherokee County, Iowa has selected the Sidwell Company (St. Charles, Illinois) to develop a countywide GIS involving the complete conversion of its existing cadastral mapping system, full GIS implementation with software training, and...

LEGAL ASPECTS OF PUBLIC WORKS.
June 1, 2000... Prescriptive right to property use. In an action for an injunction filed by record title owners of certain property, the trial court found the public had acquired a prescriptive right to use Cottontail Lane, a road running through owners'...

WORTH TELLING.
June 1, 2000... * Covalex.com, Inc. (Chicago, illinois) is a new third-party Internet marketplace bringing together chemical buyers and sellers worldwide. The company says it is the first independent, neutral site in the chemical industry to facilitate...